Sing Without Straining: 10 Exercises to Eliminate Tension and Free Your Voice

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 637

  • @johnsoneviota1802
    @johnsoneviota1802 4 роки тому +1503

    i know you wont notice me but you really want to help singers, you are giving without taking or expecting something, you deserve a million

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  4 роки тому +248

      Thanks bro! I noticed

    • @pearlbambi8093
      @pearlbambi8093 3 роки тому +10

      Big ups

    • @aly2295
      @aly2295 3 роки тому +9

      same thoughts

    • @Nick_englishGuru
      @Nick_englishGuru 3 роки тому +12

      Well, he expect new clients, doesn't he?

    • @Octalgari
      @Octalgari 2 роки тому +11

      @@Nick_englishGuru I hope it's the case, because doing all of this for free is really nice of him. It doesn't always seem so, but trust me putting all of that together is a lot of work

  • @janetmelendez4768
    @janetmelendez4768 7 місяців тому +90

    I'm the worship leader at my church, and lately I have noticed my voice is slowly fading away, and I'm losing my voice... sooooo... I realized that I need to figure out how to avoid this roblem! Lol. You definitely have helped me out!! THANK YOU so much! God Bless YOU.

    • @othnieldavis181
      @othnieldavis181 6 місяців тому +3

      Avoid cold water, dairy, nuts,. You can mix honey n lime with warm water. ...n gargle.

    • @Denki_kaminari16
      @Denki_kaminari16 5 місяців тому +2

      I'm a singer at my church to 😅and I am looking at this so I can stop straining my voice

  • @luvindaopera111
    @luvindaopera111 Рік тому +65

    Nice job! Voice teacher of 30+ years here. Appreciate you sharing and showing examples. "A singer is as good as the breath they take, then how they manage it."

  • @lochdeekyoutuber3382
    @lochdeekyoutuber3382 4 роки тому +390

    timestamps of exercises
    straight and tall posture 5:16
    breathing 6:45
    1.5 octave lip trill for males 8:36 &females 9:06
    1.5 octave ng for males 11:20 and females 11:42
    1.5 octave gee for males 13:10and females 13:27
    1.5 octave no for males 14:55 and females 15:19
    1.5 octave nuh for males 16:00 and females 16:16
    1.5 octave mum(yawny) for males 20:00 and females 20:23
    tip 21:35
    mental exercise 22:53

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  4 роки тому +37

      thanks!

    • @luvindaopera111
      @luvindaopera111 Рік тому +6

      Nice job! Voice teacher of 30+ years here. Appreciate you sharing and showing examples. "A singer is as good as the breath they take, then how they manage it."

  • @bri-bristhoughts9616
    @bri-bristhoughts9616 Рік тому +102

    This is one of my biggest problems. I get scared of high notes and always strain or miss it. Thank you. This is the first day of actually seeking real help. As I am just starting to perform other than church or karaoke. Thank you!❤

    • @KathyAchtzehn
      @KathyAchtzehn 8 місяців тому

    • @NadiMakesMusic.
      @NadiMakesMusic. 7 місяців тому +1

      You are confident enough to do it!

    • @emu9271
      @emu9271 4 місяці тому +1

      same😭 im always being asked to learn songs at my church but i’m losing my voice so bad rn

    • @cupidok2768
      @cupidok2768 Місяць тому

      I can do the literal putty high without tightening but once I open my mouth it tightens. I cannot translate the exercise through application

  • @isaacokunola9073
    @isaacokunola9073 Рік тому +15

    That mental shift of being on top of the note is a great deal for me. Thanks Ramsey

  • @pepesfrau
    @pepesfrau Рік тому +10

    Just found you! First night after 3yrs singing with a choral group. As a soprano my thought was fighting with me and Handel was an accomplis! You helped. Thanks!

  • @bilal7997
    @bilal7997 4 роки тому +78

    U deserve a million.

  • @suellenmaforte12
    @suellenmaforte12 Рік тому +6

    This is by far the most helpful lesson I’ve found on UA-cam and the fact that you’re not even charging really makes a difference and the urge to even invest. This is really great. Thank you so much for this video.

  • @DrMichellePatePsyD
    @DrMichellePatePsyD 10 місяців тому +2

    I decided to learn to sing professionally so thats how I found your videos. What you teach helps my overall body tension and communication. My neck and jaw pain is less too. Your videos have been uplifting for my mental health too. So wonderful and positive, thank you.

  • @RevTieDye
    @RevTieDye Рік тому +6

    Oh good LORD! One time through that video made HUGE difference. That was amazing. Immediately before this video I did 3 embarrassing runs through of Drops of Jupiter, and immediately after, it was a performance I was proud of! Thank you.

  • @CamilleGraves-lc2mr
    @CamilleGraves-lc2mr Рік тому +65

    I really wanna thank you Matt. I'm currently working on becoming a singer. My cousin is actually a vocal coach and she says she would love to help me sing. But she hasn't been able to see me due to other issues. I've been watching you since 2020 and it's 2023. Thanks to you, I can belt, do whistle notes, and somehow hit an A6, and I'm 14. Thank you for everything

  • @anonymous5850
    @anonymous5850 4 роки тому +204

    Timestamps for you guys!
    (2:44) Definition of vocal strain
    Sources of vocal strain
    (6:39) Breathing in the wrong place
    (9:30) The Tongue
    (16:31) Larynx
    10 Exercises To Eliminate Vocal Strain
    (5:15) The Tall Posture
    (6:50) Singing from the Diaphragm
    (7:40) 1.5 Octave Lip Trill
    (11:20) 1.5 Octave “Ng”
    (12:14) 1.5 Octave “Gee”
    (13:52) 1.5 Octave “No”
    (15:33) 1.5 Octave “Nuh”
    (18:11) 1.5 Octave “Mum”
    (20:46) Narrow the vowel
    (22:46) Imagine you’re on top of the note

  • @Take.It.Easy.7
    @Take.It.Easy.7 Рік тому +5

    I have watched dozens and dozens of videos on how to get rid of vocal strain or tension. And nothing has worked. But your video literally changed EVERYTHING! You made it very easy and simple to understand, and now i don't tense when im singing! 😃 Thank you so so so much!

  • @diannaautumnhill939
    @diannaautumnhill939 Рік тому +2

    EXCELLENT,,,BRAVO. I HAVE TAKEN A MANY VOCAL LESSONS. NEVER HAVE I HAD SUCH AN MARVALOUS LESSON.

  • @stgpapasquiaro
    @stgpapasquiaro 6 місяців тому +1

    Joined a band 6 months ago and have averaged 4-9 sets a weekend. This is the first time my muscles are exhausted. Now keep in mind I’m not the lead but still sing 60-70% of the set and these exercises really hit all the sore spots. Great video thank you for the exercises. Definitely will be using them all week to shape up and last the rest of the busy season 👍

  • @EsteesCreativeMemories
    @EsteesCreativeMemories 10 місяців тому +1

    I just subscribed. I took voice lessons when I was 19, I am 45. I have an event coming up to sing in two weeks so I want to practice but not strain. My vocal teacher said I am high soprano, but I tend to struggle on the lower notes. So I appreciate this video so much!

  • @SofiA-nf7os
    @SofiA-nf7os 2 роки тому +41

    Wow I did not know I was capable of singing like this! Got me crying. Thank you so so soo much!

  • @NICOLA-j3d
    @NICOLA-j3d 4 місяці тому +1

    This is the best video ever! In a very short second I manged to achieve what you are teaching. Thanks a million! You have a new subscriber for life...

  • @Angiecb8
    @Angiecb8 8 місяців тому

    This is exactly what I needed! I’m having a performance in a few weeks and during a rehearsal today I almost strained my vocals. Your channel is a treasure!! Thank you.

  • @jesst_a_frog
    @jesst_a_frog 11 місяців тому +31

    This fundamentally changes my understanding of how the voice works. I did not realize that vocal strain is more than and often is outside the voice box.
    The way I learned to use my voice was with all the focus in my throat on producing sound because that’s where the sound is actually made. But I had to relearn how use my voice to remove that strain, but it seems I have only moved the strain to my core instead of training to remove the strain entirely.
    This video has taught me more than any teacher or tutor has ever taught me about how to produce vocal sounds without hurting myself.
    Thank you

  • @lisabrill3728
    @lisabrill3728 5 місяців тому +1

    I am a language therapist so having a good sounding voice is essential. I am working with a voice therapist and laryngologist. I had Covid about a year ago and that’s what my voice problem started and then it started getting better this past April and then I got sick again with some sort of upper respiratory problem and went back to having difficulties with the raspiness again when I talk. Would love any pointers to have a speedy recovery and get this problem permanently fixed.

  • @jaywinterbrook
    @jaywinterbrook 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for helping me add strength and elegance to my voice.
    I have a higher range now than I did in my 20s and I’ve not been
    practising. However, l won’t take it for granted anymore!

  • @georgiheathen1282
    @georgiheathen1282 11 місяців тому +5

    Best description of what causes vocal strain I’ve heard and needed to hear!!! Thank you 🙏

  • @williamperron652
    @williamperron652 3 місяці тому

    my favorite videos about singin of all time gosh this is a must watch for any singers

  • @sweets4life230
    @sweets4life230 Рік тому +1

    After having vocal tension for years and not knowing why, finally this video has made me realise what ive been doing wrong thank you!!

  • @akcomia
    @akcomia 6 місяців тому

    leaving a comment to boost viewership, hope this reaches more people because what youre doing is super helpful! thank you for taking the time to teach us :)

  • @CatholicQuartet
    @CatholicQuartet 9 місяців тому

    Thanks for the advice! I'm trying to eliminate strain when singing in my upper register and I've found that the way I try and do it has simply made it worse. This is great!

  • @journeywithelijah
    @journeywithelijah 3 роки тому +67

    You truly put your whole heart into your lessons! Thank you so much for bringing us these wonderful exercises. You deserve the best! 🥰❤️

  • @tazza5269
    @tazza5269 6 місяців тому

    You actually helped my voice omg!! I was wondering why after singing 2 songs my voice is already in pain. I didn’t realise I was straining because the note sounded perfectly fine! Thank you!😊

  • @carolynwilson834
    @carolynwilson834 3 роки тому +39

    Thank you for teaching me something I didn't know. Things far as singing was made easier for me. God bless you!

  • @LeeDee-ok9jb
    @LeeDee-ok9jb 11 місяців тому +1

    thanks. it felt better already. Increasing voice range tips would be great.

  • @AshuaBBX
    @AshuaBBX 3 роки тому +133

    8:39 LipTrill
    11:30 NG
    13:11 GEE
    14:56 NO ;(
    16:02 NUH
    20:05 MUM

  • @ClubOohLaLa-fq3sb
    @ClubOohLaLa-fq3sb 7 місяців тому +1

    A collection of some of the best tips and exercises. Thank you!

  • @lisamarie2036
    @lisamarie2036 4 роки тому +58

    Okay you are seriously the best vocal coach on UA-cam. You have the best dissection and explanations of the inner workings of the voice! 🥰

  • @LolaFawn
    @LolaFawn Рік тому +2

    You were born to be a teacher! 🫶

  • @audratibboel2263
    @audratibboel2263 3 роки тому +17

    Hey. My local Theater is doing Newsies and I’m auditioning for Kathrine. If you don’t know who she is or what the musical is, in her solo she has to belt a high E. So I have been bing watching your videos to work up to that. It’s really helping! You’re AMZING

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  3 роки тому +3

      here's my lesson on belting:
      ramseyvoice.com/belting/
      and best of luck in your show

  • @KAYISHUNGEEtienne
    @KAYISHUNGEEtienne 8 місяців тому

    I liked this because he's free, passionate and genius in musical matters ..... I was struggling to find a vocal trainer to stick to and not wasting my energy & time in searching. Lemme be stable and develop my fkn voice

  • @glacity
    @glacity Рік тому +9

    This video is pure magic. Thank you so much!
    Everything already feels a little easier and less strained, I can't wait to keep practicing :>

    • @y4477l
      @y4477l 11 місяців тому

      Hey, How's it going so far?

    • @nalbinalbii888
      @nalbinalbii888 10 місяців тому

      Hey, How’s it going so far? :3

  • @NormaKinney
    @NormaKinney 3 місяці тому

    Loved watching this !

  • @kiaanimportantstuffonly
    @kiaanimportantstuffonly 10 місяців тому

    As a beginner singer , I knew I wanted to get better but I didn't knew what defines a good singer . Please make a vedio on what defines a good singer alone so that we know our goals .

  • @cubesandoldstuff34
    @cubesandoldstuff34 4 роки тому +7

    You've been helping me get better every day man

  • @AkotoBenjamin-q1x
    @AkotoBenjamin-q1x 5 місяців тому

    I am really really enjoying your class very much

  • @RUT812
    @RUT812 3 роки тому +1

    I can’t keep that lip trill going for long.
    The most helpful tip in this video is imagining that I’m on top of a note. Thanks!

  • @ritagopi6368
    @ritagopi6368 Рік тому

    I have a thyroid problem and when singing my voice gets course like or twitches. I really love to sing indian karaoke. I speak only English and dont even understand hindi. I grew up with with indian songs. I catches this faster than English songs. You are so awesome n blessed. Taking lessons from you now. Thanks bro.

  • @neilbonavita8623
    @neilbonavita8623 Рік тому +4

    Bravo Matt! very helpful. I finally understand how to access my mixed voice instead of moving directly to falsetto. Bravo

  • @johnandrews6725
    @johnandrews6725 Рік тому

    Gm in my opinion your are the best music teacher for me continue with good work God bless and keep and let his face upon you ❤

  • @davidnguyen9081
    @davidnguyen9081 4 місяці тому

    Yes ! Supper help not strained my voice thanks

  • @Brandon11746
    @Brandon11746 2 роки тому +3

    BIG THANK YOU! I want to sing well or at least decently so badly. I'm so glad i found this video tonight. 😄

  • @Velevelevelet
    @Velevelevelet Рік тому +4

    You say sing it 'like you're english' - me sat in my house in wiltshire with a cup of tea while it's raining outside
    Already got that covered

  • @cocoarecords
    @cocoarecords 3 роки тому +3

    Straight to the point no talking bs great exercises

  • @madelineridnell349
    @madelineridnell349 3 роки тому +8

    This is incredible I just found your video and it helped me so much, I’ve been struggling with straining and when I sang my song after following your video I almost scared myself with how good I sounded compared to before. THANK 👏🏼YOU👏🏼💕

  • @AdindaQ
    @AdindaQ 3 роки тому +10

    Man you rock! You explain everything so clear. It almost seems easy. Can't wait to start. (Although the lip thrill itself fysically seems impossible to perform ) Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  3 роки тому +1

      it does take practice

    • @AdindaQ
      @AdindaQ 3 роки тому +2

      @@ramseyvoicestudio hahaha. It does. I tried during my 1,5 hours drive to my parents (alone in the car, no embarrassing moments...) And I tried a little too long and got a little too dizzy 😆

  • @jchap74
    @jchap74 2 роки тому +3

    I never comment on videos but this was a great lesson. Totally worth the time spent to listen and will subscribe

  • @LuckyJackpotKing
    @LuckyJackpotKing 11 місяців тому

    Excellent advice. I like the mental note lesson. Think of being on top of the note. Geesh, that works!

  • @sanjaykarthicks1226
    @sanjaykarthicks1226 2 роки тому +2

    I'm slowly improving by watching your videos
    Thank you

  • @ashantesamuels4654
    @ashantesamuels4654 2 роки тому +1

    Rounding the vowel for me on high notes and adjusting my feet to hip length apart really helped me! Thank you!!!!!!!!!

  • @ministertommycct
    @ministertommycct Рік тому

    You are a great teacher ❤❤❤

  • @officialspock
    @officialspock 4 роки тому +31

    Sing Without Straining: 10 Exercises to Eliminate Tension and Free Your Voice
    5:18 - Tall posture
    6:45 Breathing in the wrong place
    7:57 - 1.5 Octave Lip Trill
    11:29 - 1.5 Octave NG
    12:35 - 1.5 Octave GEE
    14:37 - Octave Repeat "NO"
    15:54 - Octave Repeat "NUH"
    19:14 - 1.5 Octave "MUM"
    21:40 - Narrow the Vowel
    22:46 - Last Exercise

  • @Giakalis_K
    @Giakalis_K Рік тому

    Thank you very much! Greetings from Greece!

  • @kashasalim8074
    @kashasalim8074 3 роки тому +16

    Literally SO helpful, dude!!! I was so worried about strain and at the same time so insecure about what it really means and how to avoid it. Thanks a lot :)

  • @waynegenthner979
    @waynegenthner979 Рік тому

    This is great info. I sing in a band that has chosen some really challenging songs to spice up our set list. I put these lessons into practice and within a couple of hours I could notice less strain and more ease of range. I'm going to record myself tomorrow and compare it to another recording in three weeks.

  • @michellefourie859
    @michellefourie859 Рік тому +1

    You're a great teacher

  • @zandralynmosquera9709
    @zandralynmosquera9709 Рік тому

    I really appreciate you for sharing those techniques. God bless your heart.

  • @KarenBrown-p8k
    @KarenBrown-p8k Рік тому +1

    You are fantastic.

  • @edenelias2at
    @edenelias2at Рік тому

    You are amazing!!! I have been watching SO many different videos of so many different people and this one was exactly what I needed. ThNAK YOU

  • @deanpaulkeen4291
    @deanpaulkeen4291 2 роки тому +2

    Great video. Thank you. Your advise has helped me hit some higher notes whilst recording my own song. I was straining to hit one line and now it sounds great.

  • @GordonOverkill
    @GordonOverkill 2 місяці тому

    That strain is exactly my problem! I do get pretty decent vocal recordings done when I have enough time between the takes to recover from the most strained parts (=the higher notes), but I really struggle when trying to sing a song in one take…not to talk about multiple tough songs live on stage. Gotta give these exercises a try! 😊

  • @mathishautecoeur
    @mathishautecoeur 4 роки тому +14

    Your lessons are incredible 😉

  • @MargaGiBi
    @MargaGiBi 11 місяців тому

    Thanks so much. The last two tricks worked real magic on me.❤

  • @inafr0ggyhat
    @inafr0ggyhat Рік тому

    I was doing the exercises and I was like "WoOw it works!" ty so much 💓

  • @JohnFraserFindlay
    @JohnFraserFindlay 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent pal!

  • @heidi3307
    @heidi3307 9 місяців тому

    Wow I wish I knew about the tongue years ago. That really changed my voice instantly.

  • @jonathancole9008
    @jonathancole9008 11 місяців тому

    I want you to make a video, teaching us how to open up our vocal cords and how to thicken them!

  • @SingwithCinderella
    @SingwithCinderella 4 роки тому +5

    yes I agree with the tongue tension!! Probably my biggest problem especially when singing high operatic notes as well as high belts! I liked the "ng" neutral exercise to start with!

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  4 роки тому

      Yes Cinderella, tongue tension is so common, especially on high notes!

    • @graceanderson2136
      @graceanderson2136 Рік тому

      You are soo amazing...thanks a lot..please can we share contact so you help me more

  • @ria6-me7co
    @ria6-me7co Рік тому

    I've learnt a lot beacuse of u, u have helped me get so much better at my singing and for free I can't thank u enough😊

  • @Nidrewson
    @Nidrewson 3 роки тому +3

    Nice voice training am learning fast💖👏

  • @ChiranjeevMipun
    @ChiranjeevMipun 6 місяців тому

    THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!❤

  • @yuuri9064
    @yuuri9064 2 роки тому +3

    So informative, thank you! I seem to tense my throat (somewhere) a lot when very consciously singing or even speaking

  • @dante_1852
    @dante_1852 2 роки тому +3

    such a great energy. I find your tips so useful. keep up the great work and thanks.

  • @JillianRigsby
    @JillianRigsby 3 роки тому +7

    Great lesson! Thank you so much for making these videos 🥰 You are an amazing coach!

  • @PenelopePitstop888
    @PenelopePitstop888 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much Matt ~ I'm soaking up your amazing direction ❣

  • @CleverSiachitema-y2w
    @CleverSiachitema-y2w Рік тому

    Wonderful lesson watching you from Zambia ❤

  • @tabuuforte8546
    @tabuuforte8546 Рік тому

    I noticed a big difference right away, today, as I watched this. I'm going into opera (baritone here) and I was getting tired of straining. But most of my strain comes from trying to resonate/project my voice.

  • @iconsmith94
    @iconsmith94 2 роки тому

    I’m a singer from Cameroon I really love ur works

  • @salpalazzo779
    @salpalazzo779 Рік тому

    Thank you for your easy to understand lessons. I have just recently started performing again, after a very long time. I find that at my age, my voice has changed a bit. I am 69 yrs young. I sing soft rock and worship songs. Any lessons for us older folks? I am using what you are teaching.

  • @Soula0816
    @Soula0816 3 роки тому +2

    I really enjoy your very detailed advice, which is really helpful, thank you so much! You have a very big heart!

  • @bangbang_music
    @bangbang_music 3 роки тому +2

    changing the vowel is such a great tip!

  • @edisabikorimana6985
    @edisabikorimana6985 4 роки тому +4

    I really needed that help!

  • @danielcarr9274
    @danielcarr9274 Рік тому

    Very helpful! Going to practice now ...

  • @aprilsigns4175
    @aprilsigns4175 3 роки тому +2

    Great lesson. Could you please give some exercises for we singers with TMJ? Thanks

  • @jellushri9396
    @jellushri9396 3 роки тому +7

    Sir, before watching this video I have been practicing the other tutorials of hitting high notes. But the next day, my voice got strained and I can't sing anymore, on that day. Then I understood, nothing should be done beyond the limit. This video really helped me, to know more about the science behind voice.

  • @melanyanguilar5620
    @melanyanguilar5620 3 роки тому +1

    I’m so glad I found your channel!

  • @georgia.1914
    @georgia.1914 2 роки тому +2

    Your training is like a motivation🙏 ☺️

  • @timg.8656
    @timg.8656 2 роки тому

    I've been playing guitar & singing for years. Many people like my singing voice, but I've been told by "real singers/professionals" that I'm not singing properly. I'm trying to learn more about my range & singing from the correct place (my gut, my chest? - still not quite sure). I'm not sure about breathing properly while singing either. I'll check out more of your lessons. Thanks!

  • @ginnyjazz3730
    @ginnyjazz3730 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you so much for your teaching! It's really useful

  • @alwoodsmodellingmayhem
    @alwoodsmodellingmayhem 5 місяців тому

    Just joined a Barber Shop choir and have been allocated to the Lead section. This is great because quite often I know the songs having sung them when they were on teh radio or similar. But, I cannot get the high A (interestingly that was the first note you demonstrated 😂). I worry that I will never be able to achieve it, so these exercises I hope will help.👍👍😉

  • @beautykhumalo9133
    @beautykhumalo9133 Рік тому +2

    Can u do one for clearing throat

  • @yasmin_asgarali
    @yasmin_asgarali 29 днів тому

    Super helpful!! Thaaaank you :)

  • @gabrielrequinto8856
    @gabrielrequinto8856 3 роки тому +1

    thank you for this I have been having this problem with my tongue causing a tension.

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  3 роки тому +1

      hope it helps

    • @gabrielrequinto8856
      @gabrielrequinto8856 3 роки тому +1

      @@ramseyvoicestudio hey so I got rid of the tongue tension with you after the next day! But I still have something else, I have tension on the neck near the bottom of the larynx and I after singing something it feels as if I swallowed something and it got stuck in my throat if I swallow it goes away but it still is there and Idea what it could be. Thank you for helping me seen massive improvement because of you

    • @ramseyvoicestudio
      @ramseyvoicestudio  3 роки тому +1

      I think you're still experiencing tension, here's another lesson about the larynx which is what you may be feeling:
      ua-cam.com/video/_aJ3nklxkbo/v-deo.html

    • @gabrielrequinto8856
      @gabrielrequinto8856 3 роки тому

      @@ramseyvoicestudio Hi Ramsey I watched the video but it seems it did not work and I started getting a sharp pain in my ear when I sing its like if I wore headphones too long but I have not and think its something singing related, do you have a video that this could be tied with?

    • @gabrielrequinto8856
      @gabrielrequinto8856 3 роки тому

      @@ramseyvoicestudio under the atoms apple I do not know if that is the voice box but it feels inflamated and thats where it hurts